Verbal and Mental Abuse of Resident by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) verbally and mentally abused a resident by making disparaging and humiliating comments about the resident's weight and ability to perform bed mobility. The incident took place after the resident requested assistance to be repositioned in bed. The CNA entered the room, loudly commented on the resident's size, and stated she did not want to break her back helping the resident, while laughing and pointing at the resident. These actions were witnessed by another CNA, who reported that the resident began to cry during the incident and that the abusive comments continued despite the resident's distress. The resident, who required a two-person assist for bed mobility, experienced significant emotional distress as a result of the incident, including crying, feeling unsafe, and expressing feelings of worthlessness. The resident's husband confirmed the negative impact on his wife's emotional well-being. The incident was also corroborated by the assigned CNA and the charge nurse, both of whom identified the behavior as verbal and mental abuse based on their training. The housekeeper also reported hearing from other residents about the CNA's rude behavior, though she did not report it at the time. A review of the CNA's employee file revealed a history of disciplinary actions for unprofessional conduct, including rudeness to residents and staff, and a recent termination following the internal investigation of this incident. Facility staff, including the Director of Staff Development, Director of Operations, and Director of Nursing, all acknowledged that the incident constituted verbal and mental abuse, and facility policy prohibits such conduct. The resident was referred to psychiatric and psychological services following the event due to the emotional impact.